My Precious Polga

6 Apr 2008

I had been eyeing a Polaroid back for my Holga for what seemed like forever. After finally receiving one for Christmas and stocking up on recently discontinued Polaroid film, I easily attached the back and went out shooting as soon as I could. I want the light leaks and imperfections! Because of my love of old cameras, film and experimental processes, I was very excited to see the results develop before my eyes.

With the Holgaroid instant film back, or as I call it "My Polga", I get the old school photography that I love in an instant (well, in around 90 seconds depending in the outside temperature). Sometimes the film gets stuck when I pull it out. When this happens, the developer (which consists of a caustic paste) can create funky edges and make the image feel "old".

The Holgaroid back takes two different Polaroid film sizes: Polaroid T-80 series films as well as 690/669 size films. The very hard to find T-80 series films result in a full frame image. 690/669 type film images are slightly off center.

These images were the first round of photos snapped. I shot using Polaroid 672 Black & White Instant Pack film ISO 400, which was perfect on that particular cloudy day. Later in the day, when it was bright and sunny out, Polaroid 669 Color Instant Pack film ISO 80 was used. When using the color film, I would definitely suggest using a yellow filter. On the back of the color film box there is a note that reads, "Yellow filtration may be required." Without it, the images have a blue tint to them, as you can see from my pictures.

Since I have been shooting with my Polga for a few years now, I can offer you these additional tips: make sure you remember to put the adjument lens over the Holga lens. If you forget to, the image will be very out of focus. Also, like with every Holga, the Polga viewfinder is inaccurate, which is part of the fun. Finally, these Polaroid films are very easily under and over exposed. Make sure you use a film with an ISO rating appropriate for the conditions.

If you aspire to creating retro looking photos (and if you own a Holga, you are already halfway there), invest in a Holgaroid instant film back. Get your hands on some Polaroid film while you still can. Just please leave some for me!

9 responses

Kelsey McClellan (Deleted) said (23 Dec 2008):

wow! I've never heard of doing that before.. I have a holga and don't use it as often as I should. This sounds excellent to try. Nice story and pictures!